ED 5420 - Early and Primary Math Foundations and Assessment

3 Credit(s)

This course prepares new early childhood teachers to effectively teach mathematics to pre-K–4 students. Early Childhood Mathematics: Promoting Good Beginnings—a joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)-and NCTM’s Curriculum Focal Points provide a central focus for this course. Topics include how young children learn mathematics; teaching strategies, techniques, and learning activities related to specific mathematical topics; use of technology, and assessment of mathematics learning. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) competencies covered in this course include those listed for number and operation, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability. As part of this course, students participate in field experiences that enable them to relate the course content to teaching. (Adapted from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education’s Pre-K–4 Program Specific Guidelines, 2008.)